Some things have been, others have stayed the same.

I've done more photoshoots this year which has been a wonderful feeling. Last year I had no weddings booked. Plenty of inquiries, but nothing stuck. This year I have 2 weddings, which is so exciting. 

But I have been struggling with prioritizing my art/work. It's so challenging to be a care-giver and reserve space for yourself. Your desires. Your dreams. Your ambitions.

I have got in this terrible cycle of staying up late to work on something, anything, on the computer. Which causes me to have a late start to my day, which makes me leave work late, get home late. And I have to go to sleep and not create anything, or stay up late just to have time to create. I've seen my need for change. My sleep has been suffering. Things cannot continue like this.

There is this beautiful possibility of my family and I moving to Mobile, AL. 

The real OG's read this page. And I don't mind sharing information here. Posting to socials like Instagram or Facebook, someone would be bound to see it immediately. And this is not entirely official yet. But here? Meh. I don't mind sharing secrets.

My Dad has been offered a job. And yes, I would be going with them. 

To relocate closer to the beach has been a long time dream of mine. Thinking of announcing I'm "relocating" my business, and it's close to the beach, makes my heart fill with excitement.
It's been a fantasy of mine for a long time. Hitting submit and making it public and official. 

We are still waiting on some details, but my parents are looking at houses. I told them I'd be happy knowing that I am just a little over an hour away from Pensacola. 

It's also refreshing to think of rebuilding my life in a way that I want. 

To prioritize my art and my goals. To have more time to create. The thought fills my heart with hope. But regardless if we move or not, I am ready to make more changes. It has started with things I eat (and don't eat) but I want to focus it towards my sleep schedule and overall schedule. 

Besides the personal changes and potential for change and my inner thoughts I have shared, there are some changes that have been made to the website.

I updated the home page.

Now, when people visit, they see samples of my work immediately. Then I share my roles as a photographer, videographer and graphic designer. Then it moves down to the other regular parts of my home page. 

I'm so indecisive about what should be seen first. What it most effective? What tells people the most about me and my Artistry? What would make people want to look more into my website? To stay and browse. What captures people's attention?

I want people to look at all I have created. To browse and watch and look and listen to my music, as if visiting an art gallery. But I also want them to know I am here to serve. I have services I have offer.
And I want to create art for people.

I'm constantly seeing ideas from other photographers and I think to myself "Oh, I would love to incorporate that!" And I tweak, and I move, and I add and I edit and am constantly trying to fine-tune the front page. But I want to focus on other pages and have them finished.

I have just 2 pages left to upload to the wedding section. Before the 2 weddings I am doing later this year. I also have articles I want to finish and/or create for the FAQ section. These articles will help future Brides decide on important things for their weddings. Like what venue to book, what to look for in a wedding venue. Should one hire a videographer? Etc. 

There are thousands of resources provided to Brides talking about such topics. But I am shining light on these issues from my POV, and also sharing my work along the way. 

Besides the wedding section, I would LOVE to get back to creating videos and content for my store. 

Nothing exciting, just yet.

Only small whispers of what could be. What is hoped to be.

Thanks for reading,
-Lady

I am so proud of my mom for writing her FIRST BOOK! She asked me to design it (well, of course) but then she told me she wanted my photography featured throughout the entire book. I cried instantly. I was so honored to be a part of her journey already, but then she goes and says that.
It was a long 6 month process and a race against the clock (because she wanted it finished BEFORE Christmas!) and amazingly, by the grace of God, it arrived the day before Christmas Eve. And she passed her first book out to friends and family.
Not only was this her first book, it was my first book designing. (a book that wasn't a photo album.) It was completed with 132 pages. And will soon to be ready to sell.

It wasn't something I wanted or chose, but it happened.
A lady I've been working for the past (almost) 6 years, fell and injured herself. It was difficult for her to stand and needed help with using the restroom, getting dressed, getting food, and taking care of her dog. Because she knows me and trusts me, she had me staying around the clock. I finally got exhausted and burned out and had to step away. However, I was still going to her house almost every day. This made creating the book for my mom EXTREMELY challenging. But I worked on it as much as I could. And got it done. The lady I work for got better. And now I don't go over as much. It's better this way, and I am hoping to have more time to get back to work on my many projects.

I had the lovely privilege of capturing Chris + Erin's wedding. It was a beautiful venue and I highly recommend it. I will be creating an article page that showcases all the venues I've worked at and recommend to my Clients. This will definitely be on the list. It's absolutely stunning.
Click here to visit their website.
Below are some images from the wedding.

I wrote Take Me To Summer during March of 2023. I was sick of winter. Sick of the cold. Ready for the heat, the beach, the sun and longer days to enjoy being outside. I recorded it and was so proud of my creation. Wasn't perfect, but I was proud.
Well, a year later, I still had not made it public. I was scared what people would say. But finally decided, I wanted to share it with the world. So I spent a week in Pensacola and filmed my music video all by myself.
It took me 6 months before I could begin editing it. A little over a month of consistent work and my video was completed. I absolutely LOVE how it turned out. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed creating it. You can watch it, below.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I am also in the works of creating a new online course. The idea was birthed in my in Jan/February of 2024. Over a year in the making and I am almost ready to begin filming. I will share more details on this later.

Losing Marvel was so devastating to me. I still cry sometimes thinking of how I had to let her go. I couldn't stop her from dying. She was a part of 10 years of my life. She was with my as I launched my business, embarked on new adventures and ambitions. Through 2 bad relationships. 4 different houses. When I got my first car. 4 different jobs. She was there for all of it. I would work long hours on the computer and she would be sitting right there. She would tuck me in to bed and I'd fall asleep with her massaging me. I'd wake up every morning to her meows. I'd come home to her greeting me. 10 years of all of that suddenly gone.

It was sad to go asleep alone. Wake up alone. And come home to an empty room and no one waiting on me. I finally decided I was ready to love again. I reached out to a girl in Pensacola and she immediately responded.
I found Thunder 2 days after he was born. I wanted to be open to the possibility of connecting with any of the babies from the litter, but Thunder was the only gray one. I had dreams of having a gray cat and felt like God was telling me that was gonna be my next one. I decided if I did get a gray cat, his name would be Thunder.
So here was this one, gray kitten. And it just so happen to be a boy.

So I present, Thunder.

My heart is so full and every day I am so grateful to have him and not be alone. He is growing so much and developing his personality. I wish he would stay small forever. I'm just trying to enjoy it while I can.

In closing, I've had a lot to keep me busy and touching my website is something that got kicked to the side.

I hate that, but it's true. But I hope to get back to work on it soon.

If you made it this far, you're a rockstar. Message me with the word "rockstar" and get a free sticker from me. ;) Yes, a sticker you stick on stuff.

Have a great day, and stay amazing!
-Lady

It breaks my heart to write this post. I suppose it's not necessary, but I wanted to explain why not much has happened on my website.

In short, my baby Marvel, passed away and I lost all motivation to do anything work related.

If you are an animal lover, or a caring person, feel free to read on about my heart break.

Life took a hard turn as I watched Marvel's health decline. Marvel was my beloved Princess who I had for 10 wonderful, long years. Though, looking back, it felt like a matter of a few months.

The vets didn't know what was wrong with her. They assumed there was cancer, but couldn't find it.
So I watched her lose weight and lose her strength. But I enjoyed her presence and clung to her as tightly as I could. I cherished every "meow" she would give me. Even though her meows were half as loud as they typically would be. She was beautiful and happy until the end. I had to assist her with cleaning her fur, she was too weak to do it. But I gladly did everything I could to make sure she was comfortable.

[This picture to my left is her sitting on my camera bag. Even as a baby, she loved sitting on my camera bags. She supported mommy.]

God answered my prayers and allowed me to hold her the entire night as she passed.

She meowed one last time and I felt as if that was her spirit leaving her body. After that, I wanted for her body to shut down. We had a beautiful funeral for her. I played our song by Guns N' Roses "Sweet child  O' Mine" because I would often sing those lyrics to her.

All through the night while holding Marvel, I played Haley Reinhart's version of "Can't Help Falling In Love".
It was perfect and soothing. The lyrics matched our relationship perfectly. I felt as though Marvel filled every part of my heart and my life. To hold her knowing that every minute that passed meant I was getting closer to losing her, killed me. I couldn't stop time from moving. And I couldn't stop her body from shutting down. I wept and cried and couldn't sleep. But I felt her heart beat against mine. I took pictures, and I thanked God for my baby. I remembered so many special things that we did. Milestones in my life that I went through and had her to share it with.

My heart was so full of gratitude and was broken into a million pieces all at once.

Because of my grief, I lost so much motivation to do anything. For many nights, I simply watched TV.

I would work on my website while she was near me, and I cherished those moments. Because I knew one day, I would be working and she would not be there beside me anymore.

I still cry and grieve over my baby. I miss her deeply. But I have found the push to resume working and pursuing my goals. She has inspired me to write music and to create art. I know losing a pet happens, but this was the first time for me to lose a baby that I had for 10 years.

So while I have been silent, I am still working and striving towards my goals.
It's just with less company.

Thank you for reading a broken hearts thoughts,
-Lady

If you're one of the many who checks this page regularly, thank you! You're amazing. If you're reading this right now, thank you. I'd love to hug you. I hope you have a wonderful day. Thank you (again) for checking in to see what's new.

As I upload new content and update pages, I will make posts here and say what's been updated.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas.
With love,
-Lady

First off, I want to say that FOUR NEW photoshoots have been added to the Prom page.
Click here to check out these four NEW photoshoots.
(Link will open in a new window.)

As I said in my previous post, I wanted to get back to updating the website. I have SO much content that needs  to be added.
So every day, I am taking one page and adding content to it. I recently went through my entire website and wrote down every thing that needed to be added. The Prom page was the first to be updated. Other pages are soon to follow. So hopefully soon, there will be tons of new content for you to see.

I also shared previously about how my part time job was becoming a burden to me. That's usually a sign it's time to leave.
After much prayer and consideration, I did put in my 2 weeks notice. And as of June, I was full time with my business.
However, I still needed a part time job to help pay my bills.

Around the time I had resigned, I was at a Graduation party for one of my clients/friends.
I was speaking with the Father (of the Client) when he told me about DoorDash. Sure, I heard about it. But is it really that great?
I decided to pursue it, at least to get me by. And four months later, I'm still doing it and I LOVE IT!
It's perfect for me because of the flexibility. I can go out of town at any time I need too. I can schedule photoshoots or be booked for weddings at any time and my job will not get in the way. I can also take time off for my family and other Clients when they need me.
Which brings me to my next point....

I mentioned in my last post to stay tuned for some news. I'm sorry for the wait, but here's the expansion.. Or, "New Service"...

I've honestly been house sitting (or really, "pet sitting") for 5 years now. Word of mouth traveled about me to different people needing someone to look after their pets. Before I knew it, I had built a list of clientele. I'm very blessed and happy these people have used me and some on a regular basis. I thought it would be interesting to open it up to other people. Perhaps people who book me for photshoots or weddings would also want me to look after their dog or cat?
I have been abundantly booked this year already leading into 2023. But there are openings for 2023. I will post this service and details about it, along with pricing on the "Services" page. But until then, I'll just leave this here for any inquiring minds.

Before I jump into what I've been up to, I just want to say thank you!
It's been TWO YEARS since I've updated this part of my website. And frankly, I'm embarrassed. And I apologize. BUT! I want to say thank you for the sudden growth in views that I've had.
A lot of those views have been coming here!
I'm so grateful that you are wondering what's "new" or "what's next?"
That's why you came to this page, right?
So thank you to the influx of viewers that I've recently received. And for those who have been looking at this page, I'm about to drop some updates for you!

Since I last updated this area, (which was forever ago) I had just quit my job to take some time off and look for a new job. During my "vacation" people began to hire me for different odd end jobs. My "vacation" time began to grow.
What was only supposed to be 2 weeks without a job, became 2 months without a job.
I was getting work and getting paid to do the work. I was making enough to meet my needs, but I had no clue from week to week where my next paycheck was going to come from. It was scary. I definitely had to trust God to take care of me and provide for me during that time, but He did. I learned to trust Him to take care of my finances.
Eventually, someone asked me to house sit for a lady who is a retired school teacher. She was in the process of losing her husband of 40+ years of marriage.  They were both school teachers and they have both touched the lives of many.  (Their names will not be mentioned for privacy purposes.) Of course, I didn't know this at the time. I was simply helping take care of their house and dog. 
After he passed, She asked me to come back and help clean and do things for her.
7 months later, I'm still very active in her life and am helping her do many things.
This has been my part time job since August of 2019, and I absolutely LOVE IT!
We are in the process right now of preparing for a big event in memory of her husband.
I've learned so much about these amazing people, and continue to learn more about them. It has been a privilege to have this part time job. It's been so rewarding in more ways than I can express. I'm truly blessed.

This year so far, I've:

• filmed (and photographed) a wedding
• started booking facials for Mary Kay again (I am SO excited to get back at it)
• planned to do a 28 days of yes! challenge (where I do 28 things I've never done before, in honor of my 28th birthday)
• Completed a 2020 challenge (20 days of 2 sets of 20 reps. So it's 20/20)
• Completed a "Body Love" Challenge (look up Cassey Ho "Body Love" challenge, it's great.)
• I'm planning on creating a photo/video series, called "Series: Inspiration"
  
• I've received some graphic orders, so I'll have some new stuff to show soon.

I'll share more about the "Series: Inspiration" later.
So far this year, I've kept myself busy.

I've been doing a lot of research and learning about how to run your business effectively. How to market, how to advertise, how to make money, etc. It's been very educational and interesting to learn.  I feel like I've learned a lot, but now I'm trying to apply it all.
One of the things I've been learning about is to simplify your website and how it looks. Make it easy for Clients to understand what it is you do and how you can help them. Why they should choose you, and how you're going to benefit their lives.
So to help convey all of this, I've decided to:

• Simplify my website
• De-clutter content
• Showcase my work immediately upon visiting the site
• Simplify page content. (Like the About Me section. Wayyyy too many words)
  
• & more
  

All of this will take time. It's a process, but I'm hoping to make my sight look cleaner, more professional and make it easier to navigate. I want my Clients to see what they need to see more quickly. Not jumping through hoops or looking around aimlessly.

It's a lot of content because I make a lot of stuff, but I can help my Clients find what they need to know and find it quickly.

You heard me. I'm planning on giving away more "free photoshoots". I LOVE giveaways. I've been so busy lately that it hasn't been a priority, but I really would love to start having more photoshoot giveaways. It's really great for people who are on a budget and feel like they can't afford a photoshoot. It's also good for me because people are more motivated to volunteer themselves as my models, and I will get to add more to my portfolio.
If you would like to enter any of these "giveaways" follow me on my facebook page. Facebook.com/Ladymusicc

Since my last post, (LAST YEAR) a LOT has happened...

• In December I was able to travel to Tennessee to film and take pictures at a wedding.

 It was such a privilege to be there to witness everything. And to see my friends again. They let me stay with them in this huge, beautiful cabin on top of a mountain. It was lovely. And such a fun time. And I enjoyed the road trip. It was my first time driving so far by myself. It was an an awesome experience.
However, Since the beginning of 2019,....

• I took pictures for my Nephew's 1st birthday party.
• Edited the pictures I took from the wedding back in December
• Created the Wedding film "Promise"

  Along with other videos that would go onto the DVD.

• The Short Film
• The Gag Reel

     And Extras..

• The Bride + Groom Enter the Room
• Camren Plays a song
• Karaoke Fun
• Ninja Warrior
• Dance Fever
• Corinne Says A Prayer
• "Four"gotten videos
• I made them a photo album with my favorite pictures from the wedding.
• I also created the artwork for their DVDs.

 Whew! There was a lot that went into this project. But I loved it and have enjoyed it.
 Besides that, I also...

• Made a promotional video for soon to be Missionaries, Heath & Camilla Jackson
• Made graphics for the annual POWER Conference
• Did usual maintenance for a Client's website
• And made a Graduation Video for a Church
• And also continuing to do Mary Kay Appointments.

Besides all of this, I FINALLY had the money to buy myself a new camera. His name is Troye.
I was able to do a photoshoot recently of my friend Cassie to get some practice with it. And the shots turned out beautiful! It was so much fun exploring this abandoned church. Her shirt matched the pews! It was completely unexpected and unplanned. But it all worked out beautifully. I recently also took pictures at a formal event my church was having. I got some beautiful shots, I must say. So that was the 2nd time I got to use Troye.

The biggest thing I've done this year is...
I quit my job as an extended care preschool teacher.
I love working with children. But the schedule I had was not allowing me to do the things I love.
And there wasn't a better schedule to take. So I knew I needed something different. Something that would allow me more time to work on things for clients, but also give me more opportunities to meet with clients. Instead of telling Clients that we can meet in the morning or at night, this will allow me to give them a LOT more options. And I'm very excited about this.

It was very hard to walk away from these precious souls that I have taken care of and loved. But I have felt peace through it all. And I'm thankful God has helped me through this transition.
I felt like I've waited so long for this moment, and it's finally here. I took my time as I clocked out for the very... last... time. I stood and looked at the room I've worked in for the past 2 years. The lights out and nothing but the sunlight shining in the room through the window. I reminisced at all the sweet, funny memories I had witnessed. All the children that my heart had fallen for. And thought about all the rough things I had faced, and all the stress I had endured. And how it made me stronger and bolder and tougher. It made me see that I can handle more than I know. But only because I leaned on God to get me through, day after day after day.

I left that room grateful for everything I had learned and everything I had experienced.
And almost in disbelief that it was all over. That I finally reached the end of this chapter and am now starting a new chapter.
I told my co-worker/friend that it didn't seem to sink in that I wouldn't be seeing these sweet,  little faces anymore. It didn't feel real. And while I will miss them, I am very excited to do something new. And create a life that I really want for myself.

I have a lot planned for my website and businesses that I want to do. And I will start executing these ideas over the next month or so. I'm so excited to put more time into my website. It needs some TLC. I'm so excited for the things that are to come. I'm hoping they are good things.

Thank you to all for visiting.
-LM